Margaret Lenthe Obituary
Margaret Marie Lenthe
May 2, 1947 - Mar 21, 2026
Port Clinton
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of our cherished mother. She was a pillar of strength, kindness, and grace, whose love touched everyone she met. Her unwavering devotion to her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, extended family, and community, as well as her compassion for others, will forever be remembered.
Mom was born in Sindelfingen, Germany, in 1947, and came to the United States when she was only eighteen months old. She was the oldest of five girls and helped our grandmother raise her younger siblings in Berlin Heights. She met our dad, Tom Lenthe, during high school, and they married in 1967. They moved to Marblehead ("Marbletucky" as she referred to it) and started our family.
Our mother leaves behind quite a legacy. She worked multiple jobs and dedicated her life to raising seven children and supporting her loved ones. She always put others before herself. Her energetic spirit and generous heart inspired those around her, and her memory will live on in the stories we share and the lives she influenced. She was an active member of various community groups, including the Danbury School CCL, Ladies of Lakeside, and Lakeside Methodist Women in Faith, where she contributed her energy and encouragement to help others and build lasting connections. She also gave to the Family Advo Center when she could fulfill the need. Employed by Kroger for 36 years, as well as various real estate companies (Chapman, Jadwesiak, and Howard Hanna), she knew just about everyone and helped them in some way, from knowing their deli order without asking to starting a new chapter with a new home. It is well known that she always showed up for others, and you could count on her having a thoughtful gift or words.
Mom loved to be included. She always enjoyed flowers, having gatherings and sharing meals, being outdoors, visiting Myrtle Beach, writing poetry, going antique shopping, sunbathing at the sandbar, listening to music and dancing, and having a cold Bud. She made the cast at Playmakers Civic Theatre as Ruby Sue, a caring nurse's aide, which was on her bucket list.
Survived by seven children, Michael (Leslie) Lenthe of Ridgeville, South Carolina, Robert (Greta Moore) Lenthe of Sandusky, David Lenthe of Clyde, Steven (Jennifer) Lenthe of Marblehead, Karen (David) Redett of Bradenton, Florida, John (Jennifer) Lenthe of Clyde, and Doug Lenthe of Marblehead; sisters, Jeanette (Michael) Bauer of Logan, Shirley (Tracy) Fowler of Sandusky, Bess (Dale) Meyers of Sandusky, and Barbara Everett of Huron; and stepbrother, Milo (Wendy) Hildebrandt of Vermillion.
She is preceded in death by our loving father, Tom Lenthe and her parents, Maria (Binder) Ingels and Frank Ingels.
We celebrate her remarkable life, grateful for the moments spent together and the lessons she imparted. Though she is no longer with us, her presence remains in the fond memories and love we hold for her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always. #LENTHESTRONG
In lieu of a funeral service, our mother will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with family. A public announcement for a celebration of life will be made in the local newspaper and online at a future date.
Published by Sandusky Register on Apr. 18, 2026.